SHILLONG: Meghalaya home minister HDR Lyngdoh on Thursday rubbished
Garo National Liberation Army’s (GNLA) claim that the policemen they
killed and injured on Monday in East Garo Hills were not on patrolling
duty but were extorting money from truckers,
Terming the allegation “baseless”, he said the government will take
extra precaution to ensure security of police personnel. “Police
patrolling will be further intensified,” he added. He said the
government would not tolerate any such activity by militant
organizations in the state. He hinted that more police personal would be
deployed in those areas affected by militancy.
Four police personnel were shot dead by GNLA militants in an ambush
at Nengapatchi in East Garo Hills on Monday evening. The incident
occurred when the police was on a highway patrol on NH-62 at Nengpatchi,
about 4 km from Dobu towards Darugre. In total, five persons were
killed – four policemen and one civilian. Two rifles, one carbine and 2
SLRs were reported to be missing after the incident.
On the other hand, chief minister Mukul Sangma has reiterated his
government’s firm resolve and commitment to take all necessary steps to
tackle the problem posed by GNLA and other such groups and maintained no
stone will be left unturned in ensuring peace across the state.
The government has already announced an ex gratia grant of Rs 7.5
lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased police personnel. Condemning
the cowardly act by the suspected GNLA rebels, the CM said, “Such acts
deserve to be condemned by all sections of society. The government will
not rest until the perpetrators of this heartless act are apprehended
and dealt with a firm hand in accordance with the law.”
Extending his “sincere sympathies” to the bereaved families, Sangma
iterated that their” selfless sacrifice” for the cause of peace and
security in the state would not go in vain.